Angry player says NFL team disrespected America

Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) dives over the goal line for a 9-yard touchdown reception against the Houston Texans during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium on Sunday in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Carolina tight end Jeremy Shockey had a reason for his rather obnoxious (yet un-penalized) taunt after his touchdown reception on Sunday against Houston.

He made the Texans pay for disrespecting America. Or so he says.

“Personally, myself, I was really upset they weren’t showing respect to America during the National Anthem,” Shockey told the media. “There were about 10 players who didn’t put their arms across their chest. A couple of guys saw that. This is America.

“They should at least give respect to America,” he continued. “I haven’t seen it anywhere else in the NFL, but I don’t know how you forget to do something like that.”

Some Texans players kept their hands off their hearts as the Color Guard took the field during the National Anthem at the beginning of the Bengals game Dec. 11 in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/David Kohl)

“It was a simple play,” Shockey told the media after the game. “And what’s the guys name? DeMario Ryans? DeMeco Ryans couldn’t make the play. It was an easy touchdown.”

It gave the Panthers a 14-0 lead in their 28-13 victory.

“They have a good defense,” Shockey said. “They’re playoff-bound for the first time in franchise history, but you’ve got to show respect to America.”

Texans defensive end Mario Williams, left, stands for the singing of the National Anthem, but keeps his hand off his heart, during the Nov. 27 Jaguars game in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)